Climate change is significantly increasing the vulnerability of the Philippines to tropical storms, according to a report released on December 12, 2024. Researchers from the World Weather Attribution group indicated that global temperature rises of 1.3 degrees Celsius have raised the likelihood of unprecedented typhoon formations around the Philippines by 70%.
The report highlights that while scientists exercise caution in linking individual weather events to climate change, there is a growing consensus that warmer oceans are leading to intensified rainfall and wind speeds globally.
During October and November, the Philippines experienced a series of six tropical cyclones, resulting in over 170 fatalities and the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents. The report suggests that the storm activity may be exacerbated by increased sea surface temperatures.
Ben Clarke, a weather researcher at Imperial College London and co-author of the report, stated that climate change has made the conditions for the formation and intensification of these typhoons nearly twice as likely. He noted that if temperatures continue to rise to 2.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the likelihood of similar storm conditions could increase by 40%.
Additionally, an analysis by Climate Central reported that hurricanes have intensified due to record ocean warming, with wind speeds increasing by 18 miles per hour.